What You Need To Know About Medical Marijuana And Gun Ownership

Because the cannabis plant remains and outlaw substance in the eyes of Uncle Sam, medical marijuana cardholders automatically forfeit their Second Amendment rights – no exceptions. The federal government prohibits gun ownership by anyone who is “… an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)).” And sadly, marijuana remains a Schedule I dangerous drug under that statute.

For patients like Nick Yarberry, who has suffered from glaucoma for nearly two decades, the conflict between state and federal law will bring about a difficult decision. The Arkansas resident says he wants to participate in the state’s newfound medical marijuana program, but he does not want to give up his freedom to pack heat.